Description
These irresistible bite-sized appetizers feature chewy Medjool dates stuffed with crunchy almonds, wrapped in crispy bacon, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, they deliver a sweet, salty, and nutty flavor combo everyone loves.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 Medjool dates, pitted
- 20 raw almonds (or roasted/salted, if preferred)
- 10 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half
- 20 toothpicks
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for brushing)
- Fresh cracked black pepper (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top if available.
- If dates are not pitted, use a small paring knife to make a slit and remove the pit, keeping the date intact for stuffing.
- Insert one almond into each date and gently squeeze to close.
- Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of thin-cut bacon, seam side down.
- Secure each bacon-wrapped date with a toothpick, piercing through the seam.
- Arrange dates on the wire rack. Brush lightly with maple syrup and sprinkle with black pepper, if desired.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bacon is crispy and golden. Watch closely after 15 minutes to avoid burning.
- Remove from oven and let cool on the wire rack for 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a platter and serve warm.
Notes
Use thin-cut bacon for best crispiness. Dates can be stuffed with other nuts or cheese for variations. Prep ahead and bake just before serving for maximum flavor. If you don’t have a wire rack, bake directly on parchment paper and flip halfway. These can be made in an air fryer or on the grill for different textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bacon-wrapped date
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: bacon-wrapped dates, party appetizer, stuffed dates, almonds, easy appetizer, gluten-free, dairy-free, finger food, holiday snack, potluck recipe